Meningitis is a serious illness that causes the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord to swell. Viral infections are the cause of most cases, but there are also bacterial and fungal causes. Certain cases resolve themselves in a few weeks without any treatment while others can be life-threatening. These more serious cases are typically caused by a bacterial infection and will need emergency treatment with antibiotics.
Bacteria can travel to the brain and spinal cord via the bloodstream, causing meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can also occur via a direct route to the meninges (the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord). The bacteria may be able to enter the body via the ear or sinuses, a skull fracture, or after a surgery.
There are several different bacteria that can result in meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common culprit of the bacterial type in the United States. It usually causes pneumonia or ear and sinus infections. It is vaccine preventable.
Complications from meningitis can be life-threatening. It can cause permanent brain damage due to seizures. Treatment for bacterial cases includes intravenous antibiotics, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, Tylenol, anticonvulsants to reduce seizure activity, oxygen, fluids, and sedation. It is important to note the signs and symptoms so that treatment can begin immediately if a bacterial case is suspected.
1. Back Pain
A stiff back accompanied by pain and other symptoms is a sign of infection. When the membrane around the spinal cord becomes infected, it gets irritated and inflamed. This can, in turn, inflame the nerves, causing stiffness and pain. This pain and stiffness prevents movement in certain directions. The pain felt is generally different than just being sore. It will limit movement, particularly when trying to touch the chin to the chest. Back pain may occur later than other symptoms or it may be one of the first symptoms. Anytime back pain or stiffness occurs in the presence of other signs like a neck pain or red rashes, a doctor should assess the patient.
2. Muscle Pain
The muscle pain that occurs with infection is often due to the high body temperature it produces. Increased body temperature can cause muscle aches and stiffness, especially when shaking and trembling are present. The muscle aches can be severe, depending on how intense the fever is and how much the infections have progressed.
3. Neck Pain
Neck pain and stiffness is a hallmark sign of infection. It is caused by the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the spinal cord. The stiffness will limit movement, particularly when patients try to touch their chin to their chest. Other movements will not usually be as difficult to perform.
4. Fever
The fever that comes on with infection is usually very high. It can come on suddenly and reach as high as 105 degrees. When they are this high they can cause febrile seizures, which can be scary. Patients will have body aches and severe chills along with this symptom. Both adults and children with unusually high fevers along with other signs and symptoms should seek medical attention right away to avoid complications from this illness.
5. Chills
Infection causes a high fever which brings on chills and body aches. They produce shaking and trembling. This is the body’s way of fighting off an infection. They contribute to raising the body temperature. Raising the body’s temperature is one of the ways the body attempts to kill the bacteria or virus that has entered the body. The chills that occur during this infection can be severe. You may see a child or an adult with their teeth chattering and complaints that they cannot get warm enough.
6. Red Rashes
Meningococcal cases, in particular, can cause a red rash. This rash can begin anywhere on the body and spread rapidly. The rash can appear like blotches on the skin and be purplish in nature. This type of rash is a red flag for infection. It is caused by blood leaking into the tissue, so it does not itch like a rash usually would. The glass test can tell if it is a rash caused by meningitis. If the rash fades when the side of a glass is pressed against it, it is not caused by this infection. If it does not fade, medical help should be called immediately. Doctors can use this rash to help them diagnose exactly what type of infection a patient has and how to treat it.
7. Stiff Back
A stiff back, along with the neck, is a hallmark sign of these cases. Those affected will be so stiff that they have trouble moving around. The stiff back and neck seen in adults with infection are not typically seen in children and infants. When a stiff back occurs along with other signs and symptoms of infection like chills and a rash, medical help should be called to assess the patient.
